Q&A for How to Wear a Pocket Watch

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Question

Do all pocket watches have to be wound?

Community Answer

No, only mechanical watches. If you get a pocket watch with batteries, it will work just like a wristwatch.

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Question

What is the safest way to secure a watch chain to my clothing?

Community Answer

Usually onto a belt loop, or with a clip to the side of the pants. But it depends on what type of chain clip there is.

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Question

Can I use a little bit of machine oil in the moving parts?

Community Answer

Watch oil is extremely thin (i.e. very low viscosity). The thinnest oil you could buy in a hardware store would be like Elmer's Glue to a watch. This is a task best performed by experts or you run the risk of gumming up your watch and having to take it in for a very expensive cleaning.

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Question

Can a male wear it as a necklace?

Community Answer

Of course! A person of any gender can wear a pocket watch however they want. Feel free to be creative!

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Question

How can I make my pocket watch into a necklace?

Community Answer

By attaching it to a necklace chain, a long piece of ribbon or such. Basically, put the watch on anything long enough to have it go around your neck and drape down as far as you want it to.

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Question

How do I wear a pocket watch with a suit (no vest, just slacks and a blazer)?

Community Answer

If there is a T fastener on the chain, place it in a button hole and place the watch in your pants or shirt pocket. With a round spring fastener the same applies.

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Question

What if your pants don't have pockets?

Community Answer

Some pocket watches come with a chain that allows you to wear it like a necklace. Yours may have the option. You may be able to purchase a necklace chain for your pocket watch if you do not have one.

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Question

How would I carry a pocket watch if I wore a dress?

Community Answer

Wear it as a necklace or for a dress with pockets, put it in the pocket without the chain.

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Question

Is it acceptable to wear a pocket watch and a wrist watch at the same time?

Community Answer

You could, but it's somewhat redundant. The point of a pocket watch is for it to be your main timekeeping device.

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Question

Are pocket watches waterproof?

Community Answer

No, not really at all. A light rain shouldn't be be a problem, but more than that is risky.

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Question

Can I wind up my pocket watch too much?

Community Answer

Yes, stop when you feel resistance to the winding. You don't want to break the mainspring.

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Question

Do I need to use metal polish on my watch?

Community Answer

Usually a wipe down with a soft cloth is all you need. Be careful, an abrasive polish could damage the finish. Many cases have a thin layer of gold plating that can wear through. "Gold filled" and "Rolled gold pate" (GF or RGP) indicate that it is gold plated. Silver cases may benefit from a gentle hand polish.

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Question

I am a girl who likes to wear casual clothes. How should I wear my pocket watch if it is small and feminine?

Community Answer

Try wearing it as a necklace, or you could attach it to a band and slip it into your pocket.

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Question

How can I tell the difference between a battery powered watch and one that needs to be wound?

Community Answer

If it has a keyhole for winding or you hear a clicking noise when you wind it, then it most likely doesn't have a battery.

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Question

How do I secure the chain to a vest with an Albert bar?

Community Answer

Just put the T-bar trough the topmost buttonhole and put the watch in whichever pocket you want.(There are pocket watches where the watch face is rotated 90 degrees left/right. In that case, put it in the pocket accordingly).

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Question

Which side pocket should I wear my pocket watch in when wearing a morning coat or waistcoat?

Community Answer

If you are right handed, wear it on the left. If you are left handed, wear it on the right. The reason for doing this is that you always leave you dominant hand free.

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Question

In a double Albert, what goes onto the other end of the chain?

Community Answer

It depends on whether you are a smoker or not, as some wear a cigar cutter or a small ornate penknife. If you have a tool of your trade, such as a jeweller's eyepiece, or if you can get a clip-on ornate cigarette lighter, then anything like this or similar will weigh the chain down really.

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